Fashion Goddess: Lara Bohinc

Her Autumn/Winter collection is out of this world

REWIND. It's the week before London fashion week and there's a buzz in the air. Whilst the celebratory excess of most religious festivals (and fashion, by our measure is holy for sure) is prepared for with a period of somber piety, the same can't be said for the most sacred week in the industry's calendar. Down in Sloane Square the worship began early and the idol everyone had come to revere was jewellery designer, Lara Bohinc.

Squeezed into the West London shop, a miniature jewel box of a place, loyal followers were cordially invited to rub shoulders with Bohinc herself, whilst having a sneak preview of what's new for A/W.

Guests were treated to glasses of champagne, teeny, tiny macaroons and caviar-topped blinis on arrival. But the shop itself and the gem like treats were the only diminutive elements of the affair. Bohnic's new collection is as maximal as ever and all manner of precious metals and delectably improbable heels cast their charms over Sloane Square’s guests. From the signature knotted bracelets to exciting, seasonal newcomers, her creations are glamorous without being ostentatious and tell of a woman who is not merely a designer but also a talented craftswoman. The London-based, Slovenian-born designer studied industrial design in her home country before moving to England to specialize and start a career. She’s now married to an Englishman and juggles running her own label and caring for their young daughter, Coco. Unsurprisingly, she counts amongst her fans other members of the echelons of powerful but personable career women.

Bohinc is well known to be publicly shy – an oxymoron not usually applied to those who garner Fashion Week headlines (Galliano, we mean you). So, it was even more of a bonus that she was present throughout the duration of the evening, mingling with guests and advising customers on potential purchases. Charmingly, the only thing separating her from the small army of Bohinc clad sales assistants was her red dress against their black ones. With a wide, wide smile and a unexpectedly gravelly voice, Bohinc was resplendent in her own designs, long fingers twinkling with her celestial rings as she held up a belt for a customer to get a closer look. There’s something tantalizing about a shop after hours, but throw an exclusive preview, the chance to get hands on with some of the most covetable items in fashion, celebrity presence and a waiting pack of West London sophisticates and you have a shopping experience like no other (and possibly some rather angry bank managers).

Bohinc’s latest collection summons up notions of far-flung voyages and exotic adventures. From stilettos available in names like ‘platinum python’ and the less exuberant sounding ‘hairy calf’ to a jewellery collection called Planeteria, her arsenal is uniform for the bold and the brave. The intergalactic jewellery items in sterling silver and 18ct gold shine like their namesake astral bodies, with rings made up of chunks of quartz bead encased in a silver or gold frame studded with diamonds. Also noteworthy are her cashmere mix scarves, all offering an inspired twist on run of the mill animal prints or with swirling representations of her signature shaped woven necklaces and cuffs -the very same trademark design that Samantha Cameron is said to have gifted Michelle Obama back during G20.Talk about product placement.

Whilst many of her designs reference ultra-slick modernity (the tubular, ‘Metropolis’ jewellery collection is the perfect case in point), Bohinc’s style has art deco at its heart. The metallic patterning on the corners of some handbags and stilettos could easily be straight off New York’s Chrysler building. It might not come as such a surprise then, that rumor has it Bohnic could be planning an interiors collection. Back to fashion and these pieces demand a backdrop of unfussy, sharp tailoring or block colour. As many a first lady might testify, maintaining that air of polish whilst veering away from the ‘classic’ label is no mean feat. Lara we salute you.